Autism Spectrum Disorders [2] Flashcards
Definition of ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is biologically based, but, at the
present time, can only be identified through behavioral observation, parent report, and review of history
Symptoms of ASD
a. ASD is characterized by qualitative impairments in: (1) reciprocal social-communication and (2) repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.
b. Symptoms are usually evident before the age of 3 years.
c. Neuroscience research is examining how these impairments “travel” together to form this complex behavioral presentation.
d. Symptoms of ASD present differently at different ages and levels of intellectual functioning.
e. Regression of communication skills occurs in approximately 15-30% of all cases
Etiology of ASD
a. The etiology of ASD is not yet known; however, most scientists believe that an interaction between genetic vulnerabilities and environmental exposures is probably involved in the pathogenesis of ASD.
b. Over the next decade, basic scientists will likely discover multiple pathways to the autism phenotype.
c. Similarly, behavioral scientists will likely discover different versions of how ASD presents, thus developing multiple phenotypes.
d. As phenotypes and pathways become more clearly delineated, scientists in the field hope to identify biomarkers of ASD, as well as targeted medical interventions to prevent and treat this complex disorder of brain development.
Epidemiology of ASD
a. The prevalence of ASD appears to be increasing, an observation that is under extensive scrutiny worldwide.
b. Approximately 1 in 110 children have an ASD, according to the CDC (2008).
c. The majority of persons with ASD are male; a fact which is little understood.
d. ASD appears to be fairly universal (i.e., occurs across cultures at apparently similar rates); however there are cultural variations on how the behaviors present.
Treatment of ASD
a. Currently, the best interventions we have for persons with ASD are educational, behavioral and psychological. Families are usually actively involved in treatments.
b. Evidence suggests that early intervention can lead to substantial gains in functioning.
c. Studies of some medications treating some associated features have been conducted and demonstrate good effects; however, many more studies are needed, particularly in children.
d. Medical treatments for associated features (such as sleeping and eating problems) are also being actively investigated.
What other health conditions are associated with ASD
Seizure disorders in 25% Anxiety/Depression Impulsivity Language and motor deficits Sleep problems GI issues Picky eaters Attention deficient disordes
Probably of having a child with autism
Family with one child with autism = 18-22% risk of second child with autism
Families with no other children with autism = 1% risk
“Red flags” for Autism in kids under 3
- Lack of appropriate gaze
- Lack of warm, joyful expressions with directed gaze
- Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
- Lack of response when name is called
- Lack of coordination of gaze, facial expression, gestures and sounds
“Red flags” in school age kids
Improvement of symptoms (“the best symptom years”)
- Poor social reciprocity
- Difficulty modulated and integrating nonverbal behaviors
- If verbal, language is often disordered (overly literal, tangential or assicated)
- Restricted/repetitive play
- Insistence on sameness
Symptoms in older children and adults
- Limited reciprocity (but usually improved from younger days)
- Impaired gestures
- Unusual prosody
- Failure to understand nonverbal behaviors
- Difficulty understanding motivations of other people
For some, there is much improvement in symptom severity. For others, there is more functional impairment around puberty.
Mood and anxiety become increasingly relevant in day-to-day interactions
